1. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt margarine.2. Stir in sugar and corn syrup.3. Bring to a boil and stir in condensed milk, if using.4. Stirring constantly, cook over medium heat until boiled and thickened.

Vegan Sweetened Condensed Milk

2 cups soy milk1 ¾ cups brown sugar2 Tbsp. corn starch

Directions:

1. Measure the corn starch into a small glass or measuring cup.2. Add 2-3 Tbsp. of the soy milk and whisk with a small whisk or fork until smooth.3. In a small saucepan, heat the remaining soy milk and brown sugar. Whisk in the cornstarch-soy milk mixture.4. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly until thick.

Directions for coating apples:

1. Insert a wooden stick into the top of each apple2. If caramel has cooled / hardened, heat over low-medium heat until just melted but still thick.3. Working with one apple at a time, dip each apple into the caramel sauce, turning to coat.4. Roll each apple in cookie crumbs, chopped nuts, or drizzle with melted chocolate if desired.5. Place the apple onto the wax paper or cookie sheet to cool and set.

* To make a thinner, saucier caramel sauce, reduce the condensed milk to ¼ cup or omit altogether.

Note: Confectionary recipes usually call for a candy thermometer and well-honed candy-making skills. To keep things simple, this Vegan Caramel Apple recipe doesn't require either of those things. It's a-ok for beginners too!

Delicious as vegan caramel apples are, they do taste slightly different from the dairy-containing version. Expect a sweet, auburn-hued sauce, thinner and less rich than caramel made with butter and whipped cream.

Getting kids involved: Kids can help decorate the finished apples; just make sure the caramel has cooled enough to touch young hands.